17 Signs you should probably get your thyroid checked
Things can start to go wrong when your thyroid is under- or over-active.
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, can have a dramatic impact on a huge variety of bodily functions, says our sister Caxton website, South Coast Sun
Located above the Adam’s apple, your thyroid produces thyroid hormone (TH), which regulates, among other things, your body’s temperature, metabolism and heartbeat. Things can start to go wrong when your thyroid is under- or over-active.
According to Health.com, here’s how to tell if your thyroid could be on the blink:
1. You’re exhausted
If you’re still tired in the morning or all day after a full night’s sleep, that’s a clue that your thyroid may be underactive.
2. You’re feeling down
Feeling unusually depressed or sad can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
3. You feel jittery and anxious
Anxiety and ‘feeling wired’ are associated with hyperthyroidism, when the thyroid gland is making too much thyroid hormone.
4. Your appetite or taste buds are altered
An increased appetite can be a sign of hyperthyroidism while an under-active thyroid can mess with your sense of taste and smell.
5. Your brain feels fuzzy
Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can cause difficulty concentrating and too little (hypothyroidism) may cause forgetfulness and general brain fog.
6. You’re feeling all fluttery
That fluttery feeling you’re having may be heart palpitations. It can feel like your heart is actually fluttering or skipping a beat or two, or beating too hard or too quickly. Heart flutters or palpitations can be a sign of too many thyroid hormones flooding your system (hyperthyroidism).
7. Your bowels are unpredictable
People with hypothyroidism sometimes complain of constipation, while an over-active thyroid gland can cause diarrhea.
8.Your skin is dry
Skin that’s dry and itchy can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Likewise, nails can become brittle and may develop ridges.
9. Your periods have changed
Longer menstrual periods with a heavier flow and more cramps can be a sign of hypothyroidism. With hyperthyroidism p, eriods are shorter, farther apart and may be very light.
11. You have high blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure can be a symptom of a thyroid disorder. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been fingered as culprits.
12. Your thermostat is on the fritz
Feeling cold or having chills is associated with hypothyroidism. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can make you feel too warm or sweat profusely.
13. You’re hoarse or your neck feels funny
A change in your voice or a lump in your throat could be a sign of a thyroid disorder. One way to check is to take a good look at your neck to see if you can detect any signs of thyroid swelling.
14. You’ve gained weight
Weight gain is one of the top reasons women show up for a thyroid checkup. On the other end of the scale, a sudden weight loss can signal hyperthyroidism.
15. Your hair is thinning or falling out
Dry, brittle hair that breaks or falls out – sometimes all over your body including at the outside of your eyebrows – can be a sign of hypothyroidism. Hair issues due to hyperthyroidism typically show up as thinning hair just on your head.
16. You have trouble getting pregnant
Difficulty conceiving has been linked to a higher risk of undiagnosed thyroid problems.
17. Your sleep schedule is messed up
A sluggish thyroid can slow bodily functions down to the point where sleeping (even in the daytime) seems like a brilliant idea. Can’t sleep? It could be hyperthyroidism. An overactive thyroid can cause anxiety and rapid pulse, which can make it hard to fall asleep or even wake you in the middle of the night.
